Gary Stock, Sr.

Gary Walter Stock, Sr., 90, of Tampa, Florida passed away on November 25, 2009 at the Melech Hospice House in Temple Terrace, FL. He was born in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, the son of the late Alexander and Tofila Rojecki Wroblewski. He was raised on a small farm there and joined the Marine Corps at the outbreak of World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater at Iwo Jima, Saipan, and Tinian. He was awarded a Bronze Star for his valor, and was later cited by the Republic of Korea for his efforts to develop the first Korean tank unit.
After his military career, Dad became a Superintendent for the City of Tampa Recreation Department, helping to operate and maintain the City’s parks, pools, and playgrounds. Dad has been a Sunday School teacher, a long-time church elder, and coached his sons and grandchildren in Little League baseball.
Dad is survived by his wife of 62 years, Martha A. Stock; his sons: Gary Jr (& Linda) of Springfield VA; Steve of Davie FL; and Mark (& Carla) of Woodland Hills, CA. Gary and Martha have five grandchildren: Suzanne Stock Pitkin, Julie Stock Leopold, Matthew Stock, Stephanie Stock, and Katie Stock, and three great grandchildren.
Memorial services locally will be celebrated from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Tampa on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 11:00am with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.
A memorial service has been scheduled in Virginia on Monday, December 28, 2009 at 11:00am from Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Fairfax with a reception to follow at Suzanne and Brian Pitkin’s home.
Military honors have also been scheduled at Arlington National Cemetery for Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 10:00am.
 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 N Randolph St, St 225, Arlington, VA, 22203 and Hospice of Tampa,12973 Telecom Parkway, Suite 100,Temple Terrace, FL, 33637.